Nangs (nitrous oxide)

A gas used for sedation and pain relief, also used by people to feel intoxicated or high. Effects are felt immediately. The gas is inhaled, typically by discharging nitrous gas cartridges (bulbs or whippets) into another object, such as a balloon.

This is a guide only – know more, be safer.

Effects on the Brain

How Nangs (nitrous oxide) makes you feel

Depends on how you feel before you use nangs, and the surroundings you are in. You may feel happy, confused, dizzy, light-headed.

Effects on the Body

What Nangs (nitrous oxide) does to your body

Depends on your size/weight and health, if you’re used to taking it, if other drugs are taken around the same time, amount taken and drug strength. 

You might experience floating sensations, numbness, uncontrollable laughter, sweating and blurred vision.

Drug Duration Calculator
Staying Safe

How long does Nangs (nitrous oxide) last?

Effects last
3 minutes
Stays in your system for
In system
No longer detectable in your system
Clear

Depends on:

Depends on:

  • Your Size/Weight
  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Drug Strength
  • Type of test. These time frames are based on saliva and urine drug tests. Testing equipment can vary - this is a guide only.

How do you stay below 0.05? (This is a guide only)

Men average size: No more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that.

Women average size: No more than 1 standard drink per hour.

Mixing Substances

Risks of mixing Nangs (nitrous oxide) with other substances

Mixing nangs with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

Moderate risk icon

Moderate Risk Substances

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High Risk Substances

Potential Side Effects

When you take too much Nangs (nitrous oxide)

Low blood pressure

Passing out

Heart attack

Lack of oxygen

Staying Safe

Risks when taking the substance

  • Regular use of nangs can cause B12 deficiency
  • Can cause people to pass out and have accidents
Staying Safe

Harm reduction

  • Don't inhale directly from tanks/whippets – this can cause frostbite and lung tissue damage
  • Release the nitrous oxide into a balloon to help warm the gas and normalise the pressure before inhaling
  • Don't use plastic bags or obstruct breathing
  • Dispensing several gas canisters consecutively with one cracker (a handheld device used to ‘crack’ a nitrous oxide bulb/whippet) can cause cold burns to the hands
  • Avoid using while standing or dancing
  • Don’t use alone or in dangerous or isolated places
  • Don’t spray near flammable substances, such as naked flames or cigarettes
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other drugs
  • Don’t run or exert yourself after using nangs, you can pass out
  • Know how long nangs stay in your system so you’ll know when it’s safer to drive, be on site or work machinery.